KLCC Submission for the RTDNA-Kaleidoscope Awards: Native Voices
The following is the latter half of a 12-part feature series that began in the summer of 2018. Supported by the University of Oregon's Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics, the ongoing theme is 'Borders, Migration, and Belonging'. The 2018-2019 focus was on Indigenous communities and traditions across the state.
KLCC reporters Brian Bull and Karen Richards worked on the stories, with the intent to either highlight lesser-known aspects of Native American culture, or to provide fresh insights on ones that have been frequently covered.
Each of these featured episodes has a brief description followed by a link to the complete feature report. An audio file is also embedded for immediate listening.
Thank you for your consideration of our submission. It was a genuine team-effort that we all appreciated seeing come to fruition. - The KLCC News Team
Episode 7 - January 30, 2019
Native American Tribes Gaining Recognition for Timber and Forestry Practices by Brian Bull
When Native Americans ceded their lands during the treaty era, much of it was forest. Today, many tribes – including those in Oregon – are not only working to regain some of those forests, they’re getting national recognition for their sustainable management practices.
Episode 8 - February 28, 2019
Native Oregon Artifacts Coming Home, by Karen Richards
All nine Oregon tribes have Cultural Resources departments. Some have archaeologists on staff, others have museums or archives. In recent years, the number of donations of cultural artifacts is soaring.
Episode 9 - March 21, 2019
Native American Veterans Fight On, For Support And Recognition, by Brian Bull
Of the 317,000 veterans in Oregon, 3900 are Native American. Historically, the First Nations have enlisted at higher rates than any other demographic, despite not being recognized as U.S. citizens until 1924. Now native veterans in Oregon and across the nation are striving for more recognition and support.
Episode 10 - April 29, 2019
Indigenous Artists Earn Recognition And Work For Change, by Karen Richards
While the business of art is always in flux, the Indigenous art community may see more dramatic change than most. This feature looks at the evolving Native American art scene.
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Episode 11 - May 31, 2019
Farewell Frybread, Hello Camas; First Nations Revisit Traditional Foods, by Brian Bull
The modern American diet – with its processed foods in grocery stores and drive-through eateries – has sparked super-sized health problems. That’s bad in itself, but data shows Native Americans suffer higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease than the general population, and diet is a factor. There’s been a push among tribes to promote traditional, indigenous foods to offset these issues, as well as instill cultural identity among members. This effort isn’t without its challenges.
Episode 12 - June 26, 2019
Native Oregon History Goes Public, by Karen Richards
Oregon has many historic and geological sites with informative signage. What’s been missing until recently is much recognition of the time before Lewis and Clark. There’s momentum now to tell a deeper history of the state.
Finally, we have submitted a 23-minute excerpt from a Community Conversation held in May 2019, "Borders, Migration, and Belonging: Native Voices". Four Native Americans representatives from across Oregon were present, in a detailed discussion on identity, preservation of heritage, and reclaiming history. KLCC organized and moderated the event, while the KLCC Public Radio Foundation and Wayne Morse Center on Law and Politics were sponsors.
Copyright 2020, KLCC.
